All eyes (and mouths) on San Antonio

The restaurant that never closes, Mi Tierra was featured in "Rachael's Vacation" on the Food Network in 2008.

The restaurant that never closes, Mi Tierra was featured in "Rachael's Vacation" on the Food Network in 2008.

Photo: KARLA HELD / SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS NEWS

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Bun 'N' Barrel was featured on the "Grillin' and Smokin'" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

Bun 'N' Barrel was featured on the "Grillin' and Smokin'" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Blanca Aldaco with just a few of her signature "top seller" dishes at her resturaunt Aldaco's off Stone Oak Parkway. Aldaco was featured in the May-June 2012 issue of Taste of the South Magazine.

Blanca Aldaco with just a few of her signature "top seller" dishes at her resturaunt Aldaco's off Stone Oak Parkway. Aldaco was featured in the May-June 2012 issue of Taste of the South Magazine.

Photo: DELCIA LOPEZ / Express News file photo

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Adam Richman took on Chunky's Burgers' Four Horseman in 2009. The half-pound burger contains slices of Jalapenos, chopped Serrano peppers, habanero sauce and chunks of Bhut Jolokia (also called the ‘ghost pepper’). less

Adam Richman took on Chunky's Burgers' Four Horseman in 2009. The half-pound burger contains slices of Jalapenos, chopped Serrano peppers, habanero sauce and chunks of Bhut Jolokia (also called the ‘ghost ... more

Photo: LISA KRANTZ / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Osteria Il Sogno at the Pearl Brewery, was mentioned as a "Wish You Were Here" restaurant on The Feed, Bon Appetit's blog, by Associate Food Editor Janet McCracken in August 2009.

Osteria Il Sogno at the Pearl Brewery, was mentioned as a "Wish You Were Here" restaurant on The Feed, Bon Appetit's blog, by Associate Food Editor Janet McCracken in August 2009.

Photo: Shaminder Dulai / EXPRESS-NEWS FILE PHOTO

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The now-closed Insignia, owned by Jason Dady Restaurant Group, was was mentioned in the November 2010 issue of Food and Wine as a San Antonio hot spot. The restaurant currently operates as Tre Trattoria Downtown. less

The now-closed Insignia, owned by Jason Dady Restaurant Group, was was mentioned in the November 2010 issue of Food and Wine as a San Antonio hot spot. The restaurant currently operates as Tre Trattoria ... more

Photo: MICHAEL MILLER / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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The Cove's Texas Burger with Organic Sweet Potato Fries. The Cove, located at 606 W. Cypress, was featured in the "Totally Unexpected" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." In 2009, Texas Monthly named The Cove's Texas Burger as one of the best 50 burgers in Texas. less

The Cove's Texas Burger with Organic Sweet Potato Fries. The Cove, located at 606 W. Cypress, was featured in the "Totally Unexpected" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." In 2009, Texas Monthly named ... more

Photo: MARVIN PFEIFFER / PRIME TIME NEWSPAPERS

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Extreme Nachos at Marianito's Extreme Tex-Mex Grill are served on a 16-inch pizza pie pan. The restaurant at 2102 Bandera Road was featured on Food Network's "Outrageous Food" in 2010.

Extreme Nachos at Marianito's Extreme Tex-Mex Grill are served on a 16-inch pizza pie pan. The restaurant at 2102 Bandera Road was featured on Food Network's "Outrageous Food" in 2010.

Photo: JENNIFER MCINNIS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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A portion of the Paella / Risotto bar at Citrus. The restaurant was one of a dozen restaurants featured in the Food Network's "Rachael's Vacation" in 2008.

A portion of the Paella / Risotto bar at Citrus. The restaurant was one of a dozen restaurants featured in the Food Network's "Rachael's Vacation" in 2008.

Photo: ROBIN JERSTAD / SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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DeWese's Tip Top Cafe was featured in the 2008 "Comfort Food" episode of "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

DeWese's Tip Top Cafe was featured in the 2008 "Comfort Food" episode of "Diners, Drive-In's and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

A sampling of the Ramadan menu at Moroccan Bites, 5714 Evers Road. The restaurant was featured in the "From Kraut to Couscous" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

A sampling of the Ramadan menu at Moroccan Bites, 5714 Evers Road. The restaurant was featured in the "From Kraut to Couscous" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives."

Photo: JENNIFER MCINNIS / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Beto's Comida Latina on Broadway has a back patio area for kids to play at while parents dine. The restaurant was featured in the "Latin Street Food" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives." less

Beto's Comida Latina on Broadway has a back patio area for kids to play at while parents dine. The restaurant was featured in the "Latin Street Food" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and ... more

Photo: JOHN DAVENPORT / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Mama Lee's received some tough love in the form of the Food Network's Robert Irvine. Irvine and his "Restaurant: Impossible" team gave the restaurant a 10,000, 2-day makeover in 2012.

Mama Lee's received some tough love in the form of the Food Network's Robert Irvine. Irvine and his "Restaurant: Impossible" team gave the restaurant a 10,000, 2-day makeover in 2012.

Photo: JERRY LARA / San Antonio Express-News

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The battle was on for best puffy taco when Food Network's Bobby Flay visited La Hacienda de los Barrios, 18747 Redland Road, was featured in "Bobby Flay's Throwdown" in 2007.

The battle was on for best puffy taco when Food Network's Bobby Flay visited La Hacienda de los Barrios, 18747 Redland Road, was featured in "Bobby Flay's Throwdown" in 2007.

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA / San Antonio Express-News

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The Esquire Tavern was featured in the August 2012 issue of Spirit Magazine by Southwest Airlines; the bar was nominated for a James Beard Award for outstanding bar program.

The Esquire Tavern was featured in the August 2012 issue of Spirit Magazine by Southwest Airlines; the bar was nominated for a James Beard Award for outstanding bar program.

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA / San Antonio Express-News

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Ernest Servantes grilling skills won him a cool $50,000 and some big bragging rights. The executive chef at Texas Lutheran University and pit boss of the Burnt Bean Co. in New Braunfels won the final round of Food Network's "Chopped Grill Masters," broadcast in August 2012. less

Ernest Servantes grilling skills won him a cool $50,000 and some big bragging rights. The executive chef at Texas Lutheran University and pit boss of the Burnt Bean Co. in New Braunfels won the final round of ... more

Photo: David Edmonson/courtesy TLU / EDMONSON Photography

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Eggs Benedict from the Magnolia Pancake House. The restaurant was featured in the "Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

Eggs Benedict from the Magnolia Pancake House. The restaurant was featured in the "Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri.

Photo: ROBIN JERSTAD / SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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Dough Pizzeria Napoletana was featured in the "Upper Crust" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri. Owners Doug and Lori Horn were featured in HGTV's "House Hunters" in April 2012. In July 2012, USA Today named Dough as one of the best pizzas in America. less

Dough Pizzeria Napoletana was featured in the "Upper Crust" episode of "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives" with Guy Fieri. Owners Doug and Lori Horn were featured in HGTV's "House Hunters" in April 2012. In July ... more

Photo: COURTESY PHOTO

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Brothers, from the left, Art and Brian Lujan show off one of the famous 42-inch pizzas at Big Lou's Pizza. "Man vs Food" host Adam Richman visited the establishment in 2009.

Brothers, from the left, Art and Brian Lujan show off one of the famous 42-inch pizzas at Big Lou's Pizza. "Man vs Food" host Adam Richman visited the establishment in 2009.

Photo: J. Michael Short / SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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Bruce Auden, owner of Auden's Kitchen and Biga on the Banks, has been nominated for seven James Beard Awards for Best Chef Southwest.

Bruce Auden, owner of Auden's Kitchen and Biga on the Banks, has been nominated for seven James Beard Awards for Best Chef Southwest.

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Chef Johnny Hernandez's recipe for La Gloria's ceviche verde was featured in the August 2011 issue of Bon Appetit. The restaurant was named one of the 50 best Mexican restaurants in the state by Texas Monthly in 2010. less

Chef Johnny Hernandez's recipe for La Gloria's ceviche verde was featured in the August 2011 issue of Bon Appetit. The restaurant was named one of the 50 best Mexican restaurants in the state by Texas Monthly ... more

Photo: ROBIN JERSTAD / SPECIAL TO THE EXPRESS-NEWS

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Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel's 'Man vs. Food,' eats "The Four Horseman" burger during taping of the show at Chunky's Burgers and More in San Antonio on June 3, 2009.

Adam Richman, host of the Travel Channel's 'Man vs. Food,' eats "The Four Horseman" burger during taping of the show at Chunky's Burgers and More in San Antonio on June 3, 2009.

Photo: LISA KRANTZ / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Waitress Sherry Avila delivers "The Four Horseman" to Adam Richman, right, host of the Travel Channel's 'Man vs. Food,' during taping of the show at Chunky's Burgers and More in San Antonio on June 3, 2009. less

Waitress Sherry Avila delivers "The Four Horseman" to Adam Richman, right, host of the Travel Channel's 'Man vs. Food,' during taping of the show at Chunky's Burgers and More in San Antonio on June 3, ... more

Photo: LISA KRANTZ / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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San Antonio chef and restaurateur Jason Dady (right) shares tasty ribs with Kathie Lee Gifford (middle) and Hoda Kotb during a segment of the "Today" show at the Arneson River Theater on July 29, 2009. less

San Antonio chef and restaurateur Jason Dady (right) shares tasty ribs with Kathie Lee Gifford (middle) and Hoda Kotb during a segment of the "Today" show at the Arneson River Theater on July 29, ... more

Photo: BILLY CALZADA / SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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Screen grab of BravoTV.com's Top Chef: Texas page

Screen grab of BravoTV.com's Top Chef: Texas page

Photo: SCREEN GRAB

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"Top Chef: Texas" host Padma Lakshmi at the Alamo.

"Top Chef: Texas" host Padma Lakshmi at the Alamo.

Photo: COURTESY BRAVO

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Chef and author John Besh, owner of Luke, smiles after signing a copy of his book for Cathy Hood during the 20th Annual San Antonio Express-News Book and Author Luncheon Monday.

Chef and author John Besh, owner of Luke, smiles after signing a copy of his book for Cathy Hood during the 20th Annual San Antonio Express-News Book and Author Luncheon Monday.

Jeret Pena, of The Esquire pours Tenneyson into a drink called the Corpse Reviver No. 69, which also contains Absinthe Royale, St. Germain, orange liqueur and lemon. April 5 2011. BILLY CALZADA / gcalzada@express-news.net
Jennifer McGinnis story less

Jeret Pena, of The Esquire pours Tenneyson into a drink called the Corpse Reviver No. 69, which also contains Absinthe Royale, St. Germain, orange liqueur and lemon. April 5 2011. BILLY CALZADA / ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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the NOA restaurant is a new pan-latin establishment at theCulinary Institiute on Pearl Parkway. July 10, 2012. The restaurant was mentioned in a December 2012 Texas Report article in the New York Times.

the NOA restaurant is a new pan-latin establishment at theCulinary Institiute on Pearl Parkway. July 10, 2012. The restaurant was mentioned in a December 2012 Texas Report article in the New York Times.

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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The two-meat lunch plate with brisket and pulled pork at The Granary in the Pearl Brewery complex in San Antonio on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. The restaurant was mentioned in a December 2012 Texas Report article in the New York Times. less

The two-meat lunch plate with brisket and pulled pork at The Granary in the Pearl Brewery complex in San Antonio on Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013. The restaurant was mentioned in a December 2012 Texas Report ... more

Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Jeret Pena, of The Esquire pours Tenneyson into a drink called the Corpse Reviver No. 69, which also contains Absinthe Royale, St. Germain, orange liqueur and lemon. Now the owner of The Brooklynite, Pena was featured in the MArch/April 2013 issue of Imbibe magazine. less

Jeret Pena, of The Esquire pours Tenneyson into a drink called the Corpse Reviver No. 69, which also contains Absinthe Royale, St. Germain, orange liqueur and lemon. Now the owner of The Brooklynite, Pena was ... more

Photo: SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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All eyes (and mouths) on San Antonio

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No one can forget the Alamo, and if restaurateurs and chefs around the city have anything to say about it, visitors to San Antonio won’t soon forget its culinary offerings. With mentions in Bon Appetit, Food and Wine and TV spots several Food Network’s shows, San Antonio is slowly, but surely, making its mark on the gastronomic map — and its not just for its Tex-Mex.